Residents angered by new A&E proposals

PATIENTS have slammed 'disgraceful' proposals to axe A&E services in either Southport or Ormskirk after NHS bosses announced plans to 'bring services together' at one site.

- BY WESLEY HOLMES

The NHS Shaping Care Together Programme (SCT) said the plans 'will help ease pressures and allow us to provide round the clock emergency care.

But residents say the closure of either service 'will put lives at risk'.

A public consultation is currently underway, with patients being asked to choose where they would like to see services relocated.

On our sister title The Liverpool ECHO's website, user doncomeforme said: “This decision is nothing short of disgraceful.

“Closing either of the A&E departments in Southport or Ormskirk will put lives at risk.

“These services are already stretched, and forcing people from Southport, Formby, and West Lancashire to travel further for emergency care is utterly irresponsible.

“The statement about 'not having the resources' is a damning admission of chronic underfunding - not a justification for stripping communities of vital services.